BICOM

Delivering his fifth State of the Union address to Congress, US President Barack Obama emphasised the importance of Israel’s security and said he would reject legislation mandating new sanctions with Iran while negotiations continue over Tehran’s nuclear programme.

Obama’s speech dealt mainly with domestic issues. However, he also said, “American diplomacy is supporting Israelis and Palestinians as they engage in difficult but necessary talks to end the conflict there.” President Obama called for “an independent state for Palestinians, and lasting peace and security for the State of Israel – a Jewish state that knows America will always be at their side.” Obama’s choice of words appeared to be a nod towards Israeli insistence that the Palestinian Authority (PA) recognise Israel as a Jewish state as part of a ‘two states for two peoples’ peace framework. Speaking yesterday, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said “opposition to a Jewish state” was the root of the continued conflict.

Obama gave more attention to Iran’s nuclear programme. In particular, he took aim at Congressional attempts to introduce new sanctions against Iran in the event that current negotiations between Tehran and the P5+1 forum (US, UK, France, Russia, China and Germany) prove fruitless. Obama said, “Let me be clear… if this Congress sends me a new sanctions bill now that threatens to derail these talks, I will veto it.” He said that although diplomatic efforts “may not succeed… we must give diplomacy a chance to succeed.” Obama made clear that, “If Iran’s leaders do not seize this opportunity, then I will be the first to call for more sanctions, and stand ready to exercise all options to make sure Iran does not build a nuclear weapon.”

Meanwhile, during a meeting with PA official Jibril Rajoub, Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammed Zarif yesterday alleged that international concerns over Iran’s nuclear development is being used as a “pretext” by Israel to “distract governments” from “crimes in Palestine.”